From fairytale castles to jaw-dropping cliffscapes, Ireland is home to some of the most epic, enchanting and magical sceneries on Earth. Unsurprisingly, the most unique places to visit in Ireland include famous attractions like the Cliffs of Moher, but there is so much more to see outside these well-known places.
Here are 20 of the most unique places to visit in Ireland.
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1. Giant’s Causeway
The Giant’s Causeway is a volcanic masterpiece. Thousands of giant hexagon-shaped, column rock formations cover the northern Irish coast here.
Ancient Celtic myths talk of a giant who once claimed these columns as his own (you can also see the “giant’s boot,” and “giant’s pipe organ” if you take a short hike). Whether or not you have faith in the folklore, there is no denying the majestic qualities of this space.
(Giant’s Causeway also happens to be one of my favorite places on Earth.)
2. Dunluce Castle
Just down the coast from Giant’s Causeway is the equally enchanting Dunluce Castle.
In fact, you can actually see Giant’s Causeway from Dunluce Castle if you look closely along the coast.
Although Dunluce may appear to be nothing more than ruin rumble at first glance, the marvelous legends associated with the castle — and legend associated with the castle’s ruin — will transport you back in time and make you imagine yourself living in the Medieval Ages.
3. The Dark Hedges
Also situated in Northern Ireland are the Dark Hedges.
The Dark Hedges are a series of unique eighteenth century beech trees that cover the road like a storybook tunnel. This pedestrian road is always open, so you can pass by foot anytime.
Don’t forget your camera!
4. Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge
Furthermore, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge is another popular stop in Northern Ireland — especially for risk-takers.
If you’re looking for a hit of adrenaline and don’t mind heights (specifically on a rope bridge suspended 100 feet over rough waves and jagged rocks), you can’t miss the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cross Carrick-A-Rede.
5. Glenariff Forest Park
Next, if you love waterfalls, you’ll be thrilled about this next Ireland hidden gem.
Glenariff Forest Park, tucked in the mountains of County Antrim, boasts a magnificent array of natural waterfalls, mossy rock formations and green Narnia-like atmospheres.
The park has several boardwalks for hiking to the waterfalls. Plus, there is a tea house, restaurant and souvenir shop onsite for you to indulge apres-hike. (And, if you’re lucky, you’ll even see a leprechaun or two.)
6. Derry
Derry (also known as Derry-Londonderry) is one of the biggest cities in the northern region of Ireland.
What makes Derry unique is the historic wall that surrounds the entire city that was built in the 1610s to protect the English and Scottish settlers during England’s rule over the city.
Clearly, you get to experience a significant amount of history in Derry, but you also get to experience traditional foods, street musicians, pubs and more.
7. Ashford Castle
Perhaps, you’re looking for a unique luxury destination in Ireland. Allow me to introduce you to Ashford Castle.
Ashford Castle, Ireland’s only Forbes five-star hotel, is an 800-year-old castle that has been transformed into a lavish hotel and garden-filled property.
If you want to live out your childhood fairytale dream, I can assure, from experience, you’ll be treated like royalty here.
8. Cliffs Of Moher
Now, the Cliffs of Moher may be one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland, but this popularity certainly does not discount its insane uniqueness.
There’s no other word to accurately describe this cliff coastal line other than epic. You’ll definitely be missing out if you don’t see the massive, jaw-dropping Cliffs of Moher while in this country.
9. Aran Islands
Likewise, just a short ferry ride away from the legendary Cliffs of Moher lie the historic Aran Islands.
The Aran Islands are known for their traditional Gaeltacht communities — communities that still claim the Irish Gaelic language as the primary spoken language and where many people go to study Irish, traditional music, traditional dance and Irish sports.
On the Aran Islands, you seamlessly time-travel back to the Ireland that didn’t speak English, that participated in traditional song and dance, and that was culturally remote from continental Europe.
10. Connemara And Kylemore Abbey
Just a few hours north of the Cliffs of Moher and Aran Islands area, you can find some of the most iconic views of Ireland: endless green rolling hills, sparkly blue lakes and, of course, a castle by the name of Kylemore Abbey.
When you visit, I highly recommend grabbing a picnic lunch from the abbey cafe to eat outside while overlooking the lake.
11. Wild Atlantic Way
So far, we have discussed 10 incredible unique places to visit in Ireland. However, it probably seems as though it will be impossible to visit all of the aforementioned destinations during one single trip.
The Wild Atlantic Way helps solve this issue. It is basically a coastal route and scenic drive on the western side of Ireland that passes through places like Connemara and Kylemore Abbey, Cliffs of Moher, Kerry and the Skellig Islands (which we will discuss later) and more.
Other noteworthy stops include Galway, Killary Harbor, Downpatrick Head and Mullaghmore.
12. Trinity College Library
While I always recommend getting outside of Dublin to experience Ireland, there are a couple notably unique places to visit in Ireland’s capital too.
First, the library of Trinity College (the most prestigious university in the country) is no ordinary library. Not only does the Trinity College Library house historical floor-to-ceiling wooden bookshelves with thousands of ancient books and documents, but this esteemed room is also home to the mystical Book of Kells.
13. National Leprechaun Museum
Second, the National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland offers a one-of-a-kind look into some of Ireland’s most mischievous mythological creatures: leprechauns.
Even if you don’t believe leprechauns exist, this fun museum will quench your nostalgia and most definitely qualify as one of Ireland’s most unique places to visit.
Otherwise, if you’re ready to revel in more modern history, check out the many other breathtaking historical sites in Dublin scattered throughout the city.
14. Newgrange (Most Unique Places To Visit In Ireland)
Similarly, less than an hour north of Dublin lies another one of the most unique places to visit in Ireland: Newgrange.
Newgrange is known to be an ancient burial and ritual mound from Neolithic Era. It’s older than Italy’s Colosseum, England’s Stonehenge and even the Great Pyramids of Egypt. You’ll love this spot if you are a fan of ancient history.
This is also where you’ll see the tri-spiral carvings that are found throughout Irish folklore.
15. Powerscourt Waterfall
If you loved the previously mentioned idea of visiting Glenariff, then you’ll also love Powerscourt Waterfall.
Powerscourt Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Ireland, standing at an impressive 121 meters high. It’s tucked inside the Wicklow Mountains, and pours down into a quaint Irish stream.
Nearby, you can visit the famous Powerscourt Estate and fairytale gardens.
16. Glendalough (Most Unique Places To Visit In Ireland)
Also situated in the Wicklows, you’ll find the majestic Glendalough monastery.
Glendalough is a 6th century monastic city where you can find an enchanting Rapunzel-esque tower, countless Celtic crosses, and epic lake and green mountain views. It’s definitely an Ireland bucket list place to visit. Better yet, it’s only one hour south of Dublin.
17. Rock Of Cashel (Most Unique Places To Visit In Ireland)
The Rock of Cashel is a castle-like cathedral stacked on a hilltop overlooking green Irish pastures. I’d personally say it’s the Mont-Saint-Michel of Ireland.
Here, you’ll again find a plethora of giant celtic crosses, fantastic cathedral ruins and an immense sense of history.
In fact, St. Patrick himself ministered here, which makes this location one of the most historical unique places to visit in Ireland.
18. Cork’s Deck Of Cards (Most Unique Places To Visit In Ireland)
Cork’s Deck of Cards is the San Francisco Painted Ladies of Ireland.
Not only are these colorful townhouses stacked on a hill, but you can also see St. Colman’s Cathedral in the background, which gives this unique destination a perfect Irish twist.
Again, like the Dark Hedges, you won’t want to forget your camera. This location makes a fantastic photo op.
19. Ring Of Kerry (Most Unique Places To Visit In Ireland)
Also in the southwestern region of Ireland, the Ring of Kerry is a wildly recognized scenic drive that rightfully attracts thousands of tourists every year. On this drive, you’ll see sheep-inhabited mountains, tons of green pasture, breathtaking rivers and stunning overlooks.
I must warn you, though, that the roads can get pretty windy. So, if you get car sick, I highly recommend bringing this Migrastil Migraine Stick. It will naturally take away your nausea in minutes!
I have an entire post on natural car sickness remedies that you can read, too.
20. Skellig Michael
Finally, this wouldn’t be a sufficient list of the most unique places to visit in Ireland without mentioning the legendary Skellig Michael.
In essence, Skellig Michael is an island off the southwestern coast of Ireland (County Kerry) where you can see puffins in person, take a glimpse at monastic ruins and walk where multiple Star Wars movies were filmed.
To get to the island, you can easily take a ferry from County Kerry.
Most Unique Historical Places To Visit In Ireland
The 10 most unique places to visit in Ireland that are historical include:
- Trinity College and the Book of Kells.
- Aran Islands.
- Derry.
- Newgrange.
- Glendalough.
- Rock of Cashel.
- Skellig Island.
- Dunluce Castle.
- Kylemore Abbey.
- Ashford Castle.
Of course, Ireland is filled with history. This list only included places from this guide.
Regardless, the history buff in you will love these places.
Most Unique Places To Visit In Ireland In Summer
While the weather in Ireland is fairly mild and travel-worthy year-round, some places are a bit more pleasant to visit in the summertime sunshine.
The 15 most unique places to visit in Ireland in summer are:
- Giant’s Causeway.
- Dunluce Castle.
- Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge.
- Glenariff.
- Cliffs of Moher.
- Connemara.
- Aran Islands.
- Rock of Cashel.
- Newgrange (with the exception of winter solstice).
- Glendalough.
- Powerscourt.
- Ring of Kerry.
- Skellig Michael.
- Slea Head Drive.
- Wild Atlantic Way.
Expect to encounter a lot of rain during your time in Ireland, even in the summer.
If you set this expectation and pack accordingly, you won’t have any limitations when visiting these places. You can visit the majority of these locations year-round.
That being said, the weather is much more tolerable in the summer, and the sun is much more likely to show itself. That’s why most people recommend visiting these unique locations during the summer.
Most Unique Places In Ireland To Visit On Your Own
Prepping a solo trip to Ireland?
Here are the 10 best, most unique places to visit in Ireland on your own:
- Giant’s Causeway.
- Dunluce Castle.
- Glenariff.
- Cliffs of Moher.
- Trinity College and the Book of Kells.
- National Leprechaun Museum.
- Newgrange.
- Powerscourt.
- Derry.
- Cork.
If you have any more questions about your upcoming Ireland trip, leave a reply below. Or, feel free to send me a message on Instagram. My inbox is always open!
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